Sample Images

Here're some quick'n dirty sample images taken with the K10D and RAW-converted via ACR 3.7.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE
(=several megabytes) which requires quite some bandwidth for downloading so please don't waste the limited resources here.

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/800s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/10.0 @ 1/640s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/1000s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/8.0 @ 1/320s

Size

2592x3872

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

200

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/2000s

Size

3872x2592

Make

PENTAX Corporation

Model

PENTAX K10D

ISO Speed

100

Focal Length

40.0mm

Exposure Data:

f/2.8 @ 1/320s

Size

3872x2592

Verdict

The Pentax SMC DA 40mm f/2.8 exhibits a quite harmonious optical performance combined with excellent build quality. It is capable to produce very sharp images across the frame straight from the max. aperture. Distortions are marginal and CAs are a non-issue. Vignetting is quite pronounced at f/2.8 but not a show-stopper. The bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is slightly sub-average and bokeh fringing can be an issue at very large apertures. The lens does also suffer from a focus shift when stopping down - this can have an impact at close focus scenarios. The biggest "problem" of the lens is not quality but its application. It is a comparatively slow lens and not faster than many zooms. Classic "normal" lenses are about as good at comparable apertures but with a lot more potential for low light photography ... at a lower price. Some users may argue with its size and weight but even with the
DA 40mm f/2.8 a DSLR is not a pocketable camera. That all said it remains an very good performer and as such it is a welcome addition to the Pentax lens lineup.